Atomic 4 Fuel pump

[Jogonzalez]

I have an Ericson 27 with an atomic 4, and I am trying to reinstall the fuel pump. There is not much space to work with, does anyone have a trick or advice on an easy way to install it?

[toddster8]

Some people have carved out a "window" in the side of the engine compartment, below the galley cabinet, to get access to the carb side of the motor.

[Jogonzalez]

Yes, ours is carved out already, but still there is not enough space to get the back bolt of the fuel pump in. What if I take off the manifold? Any downsides to that?

[toddster8]

Best to ask this over at the moyermarine forum.

One consideration is that the A4 is so small and simple that it may be less work to disconnect the engine and hoist it out of the compartment than it would be to partially disassemble it in place, or spend hours of contortion exercises. So far I haven't done this, but when the day comes, it could use overall cleaning & repainting.

Then there is the scientific exploration aspect. I'm convinced that there must be a small black hole in the sump beneath the engine. Otherwise the mass of small parts and tools that have vanished beneath there over the last 45 years would have sunk the boat by now, or at least lifted the motor off its mounts.

[Jogonzalez]

Thank you

[jeepbluetj]

Or, ditch the mechanical fuel pump altogether (as it'll leak fuel into the oil if the seal goes bad). The cover plate (moyer sells em) should be easier to install. Then a small electric pump (moyer sells em.. they're lots cheaper elsewhere).

[TommmD]

Facet electric pump with a hand squeeze priming bulb before it, if any lift is involved. They're pressure pumps with little lift capacity, no matter what you're told.

[Captain Bob]

Amen to ditching the mechanical pump and installing an electric pump. As a former Universal service shop (read Atomic IV), the mechanical pumps were single diaphram pumps and when that seal ruptured, it allowed fuel to be sucked into the crankcase (my engine is making oil?) diluting the oil and frying the bearings. Moyer Marine is a good suggestion.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Jo.

[sailah]

My father has removed and installed his A4 more times than I can count, usually for these routine tasks. I know he recently replaced the pump with an electric one and is well pleased with results.

[1950]

I replaced the pump on a Catalina 27 I had a few years ago. I had to access the engine from the cabin access under the companionway stairs. I used a 6" shaving mirror and small flash light to be able to see the work being done. The hex cap bolts were difficult to get a wrench on. I used a socket with 3/8 drive ratchet. When I replaced the pump, I used stainless steel allen socket head cap bolts. This made alignment of the blots much easier by using the allen key to aim the bolt. I used a never seize compound on the bolt threads to make any future work easier.
I hope this helps.